Massive “Alpe du Zwift” Climb Released

We love new roads, even when they’re virtual. So today let’s celebrate the release of Zwift’s virtual Alp d’Huez, dubbed “Alpe du Zwift.”

Zwift created this route using GPS data to perfectly match the incline and distance of the storied climb with its 21 hairpin turns. The climb to Alp d’Huez actually has two different finish points: the “tourist version” and the Tour d’France version. Alpe du Zwift matches the tourist version, which is ~2km shorter with 40 meters less climbing than the TdF. Here is our verified Strava segment for the timed KOM section of the new route.

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Looking Good

Zwift took their time making this climb visually interesting in terms of both natural and man-made features. The landscape and flora change as you ascend, beginning at the bottom of the Jungle Circuit with lush grass and shrubs which change to pine trees which are eventually covered in snow. Soon enough you pass the treeline and are surrounded by only rocks and snow, but the visuals still dazzle with the northern lights visible at night and a cloud layer below so you really get the sense of being at altitude.

Man-made features include an alpine village, stone tower outposts, snow camping, timber harvesting, a satellite array and some sort of scientific outpost with a sign calling it “Macready Point Watopia”. Signs on each bend count down to the top, and most of the bends include encouraging messages just like the outdoor climb (“Thin air don’t care”, “Earn that downhill”, “Don’t give up!”, “So close”, etc). See if you can spot the names of some pro cyclist Zwifters as you make your way around the bends!

When you reach the top you are greeted by a giant statue reminiscent of the statues which still grace the original Watopia Hilly route.

New Routes

Tour of Fire and Ice: 25.1km, 1166m “Winter is coming, but only after you ride out of the fiery pits of the Volcano.”

Level 12 and Up

You must be level 12 or above to ride Alpe du Zwift. (I assume this works like the Jungle Route, where you can gain access if you are below level 12 by joining a group ride which covers the route.)

New Game Features

In the past, Zwift has been clear that they will only include a long climb in the game if they can gamify it enough to keep it interesting. We can see the beginnings of that with this release, although there are more features still to come.

When you begin the climb, the map section expands vertically so you can better see what’s coming up. Each bend is numbered and starred off when completed. Additionally, when you reach the top of the climb a prize wheel pops up and spins, landing on items like gloves, helmets, etc. (This happens every time you complete the climb–if the wheel lands on a prize you’ve already won, you get 250XP instead.) A welcome added incentive to make it up the biggest climb in Zwift’s virtual universe!

A prize wheel

All that climbing for a virtual helmet? Totally worth it!

Zwift has also added a new badge you can earn (under Menu>Badges): the “Masochist” badge. How do you get it? Climb Alpe du Zwift 25 times! There is also an “Avid Climber” badge given for riding Alpe du Zwift 5 times.

Overall, I consider this a wonderful addition to Watopia because it’s something completely different from what we already have. It also helps keep Zwift well ahead of its competition, many of whom are based around replicating iconic climbs.

Absolutely loved the climb. It’s a whole new experience for me, now I’m wondering how life like it is. Really great job on the graphics and map to keep it interesting on the way up. I did feel a bit odd on the way down, so I’m more likely to end rides with it.

@Jeffrey Spahn… I second that. Maybe in real life I had the the adrenaline of being there, so it seemed time flew by. I suppose indoor trainers always feel hard with the lack of airflow and a bit tedious.
In my opinion, after the first few bends, the Alpe du Zwift looked absolute nothing like the real Alpe d’ Huez. I found this surprising and disappointing as it wouldn’t have been hard to draw “Dutch Corner” with a church on the inside bend and a few trees and picnic tables on the outside. I can’t remember the real Alpe d’ Huez having any tunnels either?

This may be obvious to most but if you want to get to the climb 1.3 miles quicker than the Road to Sky route, select the jungle circuit and you can select the right turn to the Alp du Zwift a couple of miles in.

Did the Road to Sky yesterday morning and wow. Never thought I’d run out of water on my trainer.

That was tough and not what I was expecting… having done the real climb and the Tacx equivalent RLV multiple times I found the Zwift version more difficult than both… Tacx smooths out the gradient much better so it’s possible to get into a rhythm, on Zwift the gradient was fluctuating constantly and it just felt more choppy.

I did the new Alp du Zwift on Saturday ,really enjoyed it, and got some new gloves off the prize wheel which I like ?
I did it again Tuesday and got to the prize wheel only for it to land on the gloves again, bit of a kick in the balls when you’ve put in the effort, would be alot better if the prize you’d won already was removed .

Bend number 7 is often called the ‘Dutch bend’ since it is full of Dutch supporters during the Tour the France. I’m guessing it is no coincidence that the same bend on Alpe du Zwift not only is full of orange tents, but also has ‘Go Gesink’ on the tarmac!

Been traveling for the last month with no bike or trainer. Been using a stationary bike at local gyms to keep my legs somewhat in shape. Super excited about this new addition and challenge. Even more incentive to get back home and on Zwift again and do this climb. Maybe not my first ride back though…